Spread the rice in a thin layer on a clean tray or baking sheet
Fluff the rice with a fork to release steam
Place the tray in a cool, well-ventilated area
Use a fan to speed up cooling
Stir the rice occasionally so it cools evenly
Divide large amounts of rice into smaller portions
Refrigerate the rice once it stops steaming
Avoid sealing hot rice in a container
Let the rice cool to room temperature before storing if needed
Use a shallow container for faster cooling